CHAPTER 5: GENETICS

Control cell
activities
Nucleus – contains
chromosomes

Chromosomes :
• Fine thread like
structure
• Consists of
nuclei acid and
protein
• Consist of long
strand of DNA
 DNA :
• Made up of
basic units –
nucleotides
• Nucleotide –
deoxyribose
sugar, a
nitrogenous
base & a
phosphate
group
• Made of two
twisted
antiparallel
polynucleotide
chain – double
helix
 Gene :
• Basic hereditary unit that
determines individual’s
characteristics
• Function – control inherited
characteristics – tongue-rolling
ability, colour of cat’s fur, shape
of green pea
Chromosomes

DNA

Gene
• Each chromosome exists in
pairs of similar shapes and
sizes
• Homologous chromosomes

karyotype
 Male karyotype

Female karyotype
Chromosomes 1 – 22 :
autosomes
- Carry genes that control
characteristics such as
eye colour etc.

Chromosomes 23 – XX or
XY
: sex chromosomes
- Carry genes that
determine gender,
whether male of female